The "Love Made Visible: The Paintings of David Brumbach" Story
It was an ordinary day. Saw a photo of a painting splattered on the front page of the morning paper. Not just any painting, mind you, but one that was painted in 1978 by David Brumbach of Lancaster, PA. The painting was of the Star Barn in Dauphin County, PA which was one of his favorite subjects. It is because of David that I also made the Star Barn one of my subjects for my Polaroids which I make. David died in 1992 at the age of 43 from a brain tumor. He is considered one of Lancaster's best and most famous artists along with Charles Demuth, a watercolorist who turned to oils late in his career, developing a style of painting known as Precisionism. Demuth died in 1935. David worked primarily in watercolor, but also explored with acrylics. A forme
r high school student of mine, Bob LeMin, authored a book on the life of David Brunbach titled "David Brumbach: Talent, Paper and Paint." I always remembered Bob as one of my most talented graphic arts students. Bob graduated from high school in the early 70s and was very prominent on the local art scene shortly after that. I suspect it was at this time that he got to know David Brumbach. David was born in neighboring Lititz, PA, but eventually moved to Lancaster, a city that he loved. Bob says that his appreciation and understanding of David's work continues to grow, even after his death. "It took me a long time to realize that the best of David's work is just love made visible," Bob said. "He was someone we all looked up to." I had the fortune to also meet David during the time I taught and would stop in Marion Art Store for supplies or Lancaster Gallery to view a show and David would be there. I now have the honor to mat and frame some of his work at Grebinger Gallery where I work. When ever we get one of his watercolors or acrylics in for framing, I just marvel at the talent he displays in his artwork. I would love to have one of his Lancaster watercolors, but what once sold for maybe hundreds, now sells for thousands. In 2010 a miniature Star Barn painting sold for 
$10,000 at a local auction. How could anyone part with such a prized piece of art? At least I get to touch his paintings while framing them, which I know sounds strange, but knowing that I am able to feel his brush on the paper that I am now touching, is unbelievable. Lancaster is so lucky to have had David with us, if even for such a short time. Greatness is hard to define, but David would fall into that category in my mind. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: David Brumbach's Star Barn, David at work in his studio, one of the Star Barn Polaroids that I did after being inspired by David.
It was an ordinary day. Saw a photo of a painting splattered on the front page of the morning paper. Not just any painting, mind you, but one that was painted in 1978 by David Brumbach of Lancaster, PA. The painting was of the Star Barn in Dauphin County, PA which was one of his favorite subjects. It is because of David that I also made the Star Barn one of my subjects for my Polaroids which I make. David died in 1992 at the age of 43 from a brain tumor. He is considered one of Lancaster's best and most famous artists along with Charles Demuth, a watercolorist who turned to oils late in his career, developing a style of painting known as Precisionism. Demuth died in 1935. David worked primarily in watercolor, but also explored with acrylics. A forme
Thanks for the post and kind words. We had a great fine art, graphic art & art appreciation/art history classes @ MTHS during my years there, '69 to '73. The best teachers not only taught us, they coached and inspired us. David did the same & Lititz and Lancaster are the better for it.
ReplyDeleteTo answer the question why someone would sell a valuable work of art like the $700 per square inch "Star Barn," which is smaller than a post card.
ReplyDeleteThe seller sold it to pay for elder care costs, and the buyer wanted the art because it "was his first Brumbach Star Barn." Both parties were happy, and the Demuth Museum got a percentage of the sale price.
Dear Anonymous, Your answer to my question is welcome. I wish that someday I will be able to purchase a piece of his art. And, thanks for the kind words about the teachers at Manheim Township. Shortly I will have a story about my good friend Neil who taught two-dimension art in the classroom next to me. I assume you are a graduate and perhaps will enjoy my story about Neil.
ReplyDeleteHi Larry~sorry it has taken forever to follow up on this! Don't know if you have Lancaster Comcast, but Ch. 66 has a Brumbach segment that yours truly, B; LeMin worked on. I am now starting work on "David Brumbach Revisited, Part II." This new segment will focus on many original works that David painted from the 70's to 1991. I am still painting on a regular basis & work for LCTV when I am not selling paint!
ReplyDeleteHappy Summer!
Bob LeMin